Mudavadi calls for decisive action to reduce maternal deaths

Speaking during the launch of the Uhai wa Mama na Mtoto Project National Obstetrics Point of Care Ultrasound (O-POCUS) Guidelines in Nairobi, Mudavadi said the guidelines developed will complement the Government’s efforts in improving antenatal care to reduce maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. 

"The guidelines will enable nurses, midwives, clinical officers and other reproductive health professionals to share tasks for obstetrical ultrasound screening in accordance with World Health Organization guidelines," said Mudavadi.

Mudavadi also the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, said that the initiative will bridge a critical gap in public health dispensaries and centres, where pregnant mothers miss out on early ultrasound scans due to a shortage of sonographers, radiologists and gynaecologist obstetricians. 

PCS noted that the public health dispensaries and centres were usually manned by nurses, midwives and clinical officers, who are not trained to carry out ultrasound screening. 

Moreover, the PCS noted, the facilities are not equipped with ultrasound machines as they are expensive and are not part of the essential package for public health centres. 

"Advancement and innovation in ultrasound procedures through the use of hand-held screening devices will facilitate high impact interventions  to pregnant women across all counties and regions," said Mudavadi.

PCS said the guidelines were developed through the collaboration between the Government and key stakeholders.

He said all stakeholders in the health sector must work together to reduce the high and unacceptable number of women who die from pregnancy and childbirth complications, which places Kenya fourth among African countries with the highest maternal mortality burden. 

"Now that we have the guidelines, I urge the Ministry of Health to expedite their launch and implementation, to ensure that our women reap the benefits of this initiative. 

He however noted that users need to be trained on how to use the guidelines, hence, the need to develop a simple but effective training and mentoring program that can quickly be deployed to all clinics and centres. 

Mudavadi noted that a robust sensitisation and dissemination campaign was necessary to reach all beneficiaries and ensure that they embrace the POCUS screening devices. 

"Pregnant mothers have to be aware of when and where the ultrasound scan services will be available in their neighbourhoods," said Mudavadi.

He also called for the need to address the other challenges identified during the stakeholder engagement process that include lack of ultrasound equipment in local clinics, the cost of such equipment and support infrastructure including electricity and internet connectivity. 

Mudavadi called for the need a comprehensive policy and regulatory framework for POCUS accreditation and quality assurance to facilitate effective uptake and utilization. 

He thanked Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation enabled Ushiriki Wema to lead a high level and technical advocacy, working closely with the International Centre for Reproductive Health. 

"Through this initiative, the partners and stakeholders involved are contributing to Kenya’s efforts to improve maternal and child health outcomes," said Mudavadi.